(November 29, 2013) DETROIT — The General Motors Foundation has announced grants totaling $2.9 million to support 26 leading universities and partnering organizations across the country this year through its University/Organization Partner Program.

The initiative provides funding to advance secondary education curricula in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, also known as STEM, information technology and other fields important to the automotive industry.

“Working with leaders in education to strengthen curricula, foster a diverse learning environment and challenge young minds is a top priority for us,” said GM Foundation president Vivian Pickard. “By supporting higher education programs, we are ensuring that the next generation of leaders and innovators receive the necessary knowledge and skills to compete in a global marketplace.”

Over the last decade, the GM Foundation has awarded nearly $31.3 million in grants through the University/Organization Partner Program. Through this annual program, the GM Foundation helps prepare more students to graduate with STEM-related degrees. The funds also support design and manufacturing degree programs, diversity initiatives, student organizations, and career development resources.

Here is this year’s list of GM Foundation grant recipients: Art Center College of Design, Brigham Young University, University of California-Berkeley, Cleveland Institute of Arts, University of Cincinnati, Duke University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Kettering University, Lawrence Technological University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology;

Michigan State University, Michigan Technological University, University of Michigan, National Black MBA Association, National Society of Black Engineers, Northwestern University, Ohio State University, Pennsylvania State University, University of Puerto Rico, Purdue University, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, Society of Women Engineers, Stanford University, University of Texas-Austin, United Negro College Fund (Howard University), Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities.

Additional support for collegiate programming includes the Buick Achievers Scholarship Program, which is funded by the GM Foundation and is one of the largest scholarship programs in the country. Since its inception in 2011, Buick Achievers has awarded roughly $16 million to students entering or attending college to study STEM and fields related to the auto industry.

The program places a strong focus on recognizing women, minorities, military veterans and military dependents, as well as students known for excelling in the classroom and giving back to their communities.